Canon S95 vs Lumix LX5

[Maxf]

I've narrowed my choice for a compact down to the above two models - but am now stuck as both seem to win/lose equal reviews online.

I'm after something for snaps, maybe a few more artistic shots as opportunities present themselves and HD moviews. Movies are pretty important.

I'll be using it when I dont want to take my D90, but am going out and *may* see something interesting - and for parties and events when I might want to take videos.

Has anyone tried both?

[GetCarter]

I have the Leica D-Lux 4 (almost identical to the LX3 - which is very similar to the 5) and just bought the S95. Main reason I went for the S95 is that it's smaller and lighter - but achievs the same results. It'll slip into a shirt / jeans pocket no problem. The two look pretty much matched on performance but if a smaller size is important (haha), that might swing it. I've been well impressed with the results (for such a tiny sensor).



Straight out of the camera below

Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 19th April 16:47

[Simpo Two]

That top one has slight whiff of HDR about it - are you using a D-Lighting or other fancy setting?

(Or have I seen too many photos today?)

[Maxf]

Thats very helpful Getcarter, thanks.

Do you use either for video? I think I'd be using the video function maybe 25% of the time.

I tried both today and liked them both, but the 'focus' ring on the s95 was a really nice touch.

[GetCarter]

Simpo Two said:

That top one has slight whiff of HDR about it - are you using a D-Lighting or other fancy setting?

(Or have I seen too many photos today?)

Just curves to zap it up a bit.

I do use it for vid and it's very good. Colours lack a bit of saturation, but very smooth and pretty good in low light. It's saved in .mov which is a bit of a pain in you are not on a mac, but then I'm pretty sure the LX5 will also save that way (my Leica does)

[Maxf]

.mov is perfect as I'm a mac user. Archos HD lite (which I think the LX5 uses) is a bit of a pain!

Right - looks like I've made my choice... Cannon is a little more expensive (I can get the Panasonic in the US at the weekend) but seems the better bet.

[GetCarter]

Another S95 pic (click to unsquish)

[Zod]

I have an S90 (same camera almost, but without HD video). It's a fantastic little camera that doesn't make me feel horribly compromised to be out without my SLRs.

[Simpo Two]

It certainly seems to handle highlights and contrast very well - many cameras would have expoosed for the chickens and blitzed the wall.

[Deluded]

I had an LX-3. Was a very good camera but it was a little noisy over 200ISO. Also, it seemed to have no idea what to do when you put the flash on. Would always overexpose flash shots, even on full iAuto. Drove me mad just because of that.

Anyway, some pics with it :





The LX-3 Is pretty much the same camera, same internals anyway, just a slightly different lens and a few other bits and bobs. Hopefully it has a better flash.


Have you looked at the Olympus XZ-1?

Edited by Deluded on Tuesday 19th April 23:25

[Maxf]

Thanks for all of the help - s95 picked up at lunchtime.

I didnt check out the Olympus... my brain was about fried just looking at those 2 options!